The biggest misconception about nutrition is that it is simple and black and white. If you are nutrient deficient, take a vitamin and problem solved. In fact, nutrition is one of the most individual sciences out there.

WHAT IS NUTRITION?

In terms of the scientific definition, nutrition looks at the nutrients that the body needs to function optimally. This includes macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat), vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Food, however, plays a much bigger role than just what goes into your mouth. It is not just fuel for the body – it is also fuel for the soul.

A nutritionist assesses how much of each nutrient you are getting, and whether there is any imbalance. This way, they can help you correct deficiencies and excesses that could be causing symptoms.

WHAT ELSE DOES A NUTRITIONIST CONSIDER?

A nutritionist does focus a lot on the food that you eat. But there are many other factors that can affect your nutrient status that we will consider. Some examples include:

✔️ Your stress levels

✔️ Your sleep, both quality and quantity

✔️ How you eat your food (for example, eating on the run or in front of the tv)

✔️ How you feel about food, your relationship with it

✔️ Your exercise and physical activity habits

✔️ Lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption

✔️ Exposure to toxic substances

✔️ Any health conditions that impact on nutrient status

WHAT SHOULD I BE EATING?

The food that will best support your body depends on many factors, including your lifestyle, state of health and stage of life. That is why nutrition needs to be personalised and the one diet fits all model fails most of us. However, there are a few basic steps that almost everyone can benefit from when it comes to food.

EAT YOUR VEGETABLES

Have you ever noticed that every fad diet has the same thing in common? It’s eating more vegetables! Vegetables are nutrient-dense, low in calories and high in micronutrients. Different vegetables can have different health benefits, so the best way to go about it is to consume as many different colours as you can.

If you’re new to vegetables, start with adding in one extra serve of vegetables each day. This might be some mushrooms in your morning omelette, a few slices of avocado on your sandwich at lunch, or some veggie sticks with dip as your afternoon snack.

MINIMISE PROCESSED FOODS

The more that a food is processed, the lower the nutrients in the food. Some foods are so processed that they have to add back in artificial vitamins and minerals. 

To be your healthiest, most vibrant self, you want to minimise processed foods and consume mostly wholefoods. Wholefoods include fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, beans and legumes, protein and healthy oils/fats.

FOCUS ON YOUR FOOD

So many of us are multitasking when we eat these days. You might be on the run, or you might be checking your Facebook notifications. But we don’t just eat with our mouths. Focusing on food will help you to produce the enzymes you need to digest properly.  

You’re also more likely to enjoy the food and less likely to overeat. So try to have at least one meal per day where you sit down and focus on your food.

DON’T EAT FOODS YOU HATE

Trying new foods to see if you like them is one thing. But there is no point in shovelling down a bag of kale every day if you hate it because you will resent it. The more you resent it, the more likely it is you’ll give up and go back to less healthy eating patterns. 

The beauty of nutrition is that many foods have the same nutrients, so you can try something else!

AIM FOR 80/20

If food was just fuel, we would all eat perfectly all the time. But food is also about pleasure, enjoyment and socialising. That’s where the 80/20 rule is a more sustainable approach to eating (unless you have a health condition that requires a diet protocol - then you should stick with it!).

80% of the time you want to be making the healthier choices. But 20% of the time covers things like parties, weddings and dinners out with your family and friends. These are the times where you just want to relax and nourish your soul, rather than worry about what is the specific macronutrients in the food you are eating.

Want to learn more about Nutrition?

Check it out:

“UNDERSTANDING NUTRITION: THE FOUR FACTORS YOU NEED TO KNOW!”